Spotted Pike-Characin

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Widely distributed in the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Prefers slow-flowing wooded streams and the marginal areas of large rivers surrounded by submerged forests.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Spotted Pike-Characin (Boulengerella maculata). Similar to the lateristriga, but reaches larger sizes (over 30 cm / 12 inches in nature, often 25-28 in aquariums). The torpedo body and the fleshy appendage at the apex of the upper jaw are distinctive traits.

Social Behavior: Gregarious at a young age, becomes more solitary or tolerates small groups as an adult. Formidable but placid hunter for most of the time, slowly explores the surface.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Unlike the single stripe of the lateristriga, B. maculata presents a spectacular livery dotted with dozens of irregular black spots on a metallic silver background. Caudal fin often with lower reddish iridescences.

Aquarium Setup: Huge tank (minimum 180x60 cm / 72x24 inches base) given the size and the speed of the sprint. Not too turbulent water, dimmed lights. Visual barriers (roots descending from above) help prevent panic attacks and crashes on the glass.

Diet and Feeding: Apex predator. Feeding requires dedication: it must be weaned to accept strips of white fish fillet, mussels, shelled shrimp and crickets. Some specimens accept floating sticks for large cichlids.

Water Quality: Amazonian fish that tolerates pH between 5.5 and 7.5 well. Sensitive to high nitrates: a sump filtration system or large external filters are essential to manage the organic load.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Peaceful with non-ingestible tankmates. Perfect with large freshwater stingrays (Potamotrygon), large Characins (Myleus), large Eartheater Cichlids and Datnioides. Tapered fish (like small Tetras) will be ignored until they fit in its mouth.

Aquarium Reproduction: Never successfully documented in amateur aquariums. Species that requires enormous volumes of water and complex monsoon simulations.

Risks and Diseases: Prone to jump out of the tank at the slightest nocturnal fright. "Broken snout" (infection of the fleshy appendage after an impact) is common and can lead to starvation and death.